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| Poro Church -founded on 1737---established as Parish church on 1847 under the advocacy of the Sto. Niño, but the church was constructed in 1849 |
Pre-Spanish Poro were settlements scattered (settlements known as Maktang, now Esperanza and Taganito today known as Tudela) all over the islands. The catalyst that would bring people together was the encouragement of the Church and the Alcalde of Cebu to assemble in what is the town today to fight the Moro raiders. Sometime in 1780, another turning point in Camotes history took place, a man named Panganuron (the town’s gorgeous falls is named after him) gathered all the tribes, this according to local historian is the first ever meeting of all the Poro inhabitants. He is credited to having unified the tribes which is now commemorated with Tagbo festival (tagbo meaning ‘coming together’). This remarkable union was celebrated as a community triumph, this event would also show that during those years the Poroanons were already deeply religious in the Catholic faith as celebrations was capped with the building of their first chapel.
The location where the church is located was preferred by the Jesuits who were in charged in converting the natives. The Spanish missionaries’ choice of location was inspired by its strategic advantages, one being the areas elevation which grants them with the benefit of seeing the Moro raiders before they even get close to their thriving Christian poblacion. Unlike most of the old churches of mainland Cebu, their Iglesia is not facing the sea; its façade faces the town where some colonial houses still exist (some sample if this old houses can still be found in Pilar, sadly in Poro’s poblacion there are very few standing).
The Nave of Sto. Niño Church of Poro in Camotes Islands
Historical Marker of Sto. Niño Church of Poro in Camotes Islands
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